A white-collar and commercial litigator, Rebecca J. Hillyer concentrates her practice on False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam litigation, complex business fraud and disputes, and product liability cases. Becca represents clients in the medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology, and financial services industries. Becca is a member of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee.
National counsel for pharmaceutical manufacturer in In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation (N.D. OH), and in federal and state courts across the country, defending against claims based on allegedly fraudulent promotion of opioids.
Defending international and national pharmaceutical companies in numerous False Claims Act and qui tam matters.
Defending national drugstore chain in False Claims Act qui tam litigation and state Attorney General litigation.
Defending global logistics company in False Claims Act qui tam litigation.
Defending global medical device manufacturer against claims related to alleged bribery.
Defended global pharmaceutical companies in various cases filed by state Attorneys General pursuant to state unfair trade practices acts, resulting in favorable settlements.
Defended a global financial services firm against civil RICO claims relating to alleged mortgage fraud in Pennsylvania federal court; following oral argument on the motion to dismiss, the court dismissed all claims against the client.
Complex Commercial Litigation
Representation of a global health insurance and health service company in “bet the company” complex civil litigation, resulting in a favorable settlement.
Defended a global spinal and orthopedic implant manufacturer against claims of unfair competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, and tortious interference in federal court in New Jersey and Delaware state court, asserted by industry competitors, ultimately resulting in favorable settlements.
Defended a global player in the consumer money transfer services industry against breach of contract claim; after aggressively pursuing counterclaims such as fraud and misappropriation of trade secrets and proceeding through discovery, obtained favorable settlement.
Defended the owner of a national chain of restaurants and bars in post-acquisition indemnity dispute, resulting in a favorable settlement.
Products Liability
Representing international orthopedic implant manufacturer in numerous cases concerning product liability allegations.
Defended global medical device manufacturer against product liability claims, resulting in dismissal on the basis of federal preemption.
Defended an international heavy equipment manufacturer in Pennsylvania state court against product liability claims relating to an accident involving the client's industrial machinery, culminating in dismissal of all claims following plaintiff's case-in-chief at trial.
Education
University of Pennsylvania Law School, 2003, J.D.
University of Michigan, 2000, B.A., High Honors, High Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa
Admissions
Pennsylvania
US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Awards and Affiliations
Member of the Board of Directors, Pennsylvania Prison Society
Named 2014 Pennsylvania Product Liability Department Of The Year by The Legal Intelligencer
Listed, The Legal 500 US for Dispute Resolution – White Collar Criminal Defense (2016)
Former Member of the Board of Directors, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Comment Editor, Journal of Labor and Employment Law
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
Barrister, University of Pennsylvania American Inn of Court